IT Dept asks taxpayers to ignore ‘significant transactions’ emails citing data errors

The Income Tax Department has asked taxpayers to ignore certain emails sent under its Advance Tax e-Campaign after many recipients reported inaccurate details regarding “significant transactions.” In a clarification issued on Saturday, the department acknowledged that some of the communications contained incorrect information and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to taxpayers.

The emails were originally sent as part of a taxpayer service initiative aimed at reminding individuals to review their advance tax payments. The communication stated that the department had information about financial transactions linked to taxpayers’ PAN numbers that appeared inconsistent with their advance tax payments for the financial year 2025–26, corresponding to the assessment year 2026–27.

However, many taxpayers and chartered accountants soon pointed out that the emails listed financial figures and transactions that were either incorrect or unrelated to the recipients. In several cases, identical figures for receipts, purchases, or turnover reportedly appeared across multiple emails sent to different taxpayers, leading to confusion and concern among recipients.

Following these complaints, the Income Tax Department clarified that the communications were intended only as facilitative reminders to help taxpayers review their financial data and ensure appropriate advance tax compliance where applicable. The department also confirmed that it is working with its service provider to resolve the issue that led to the inaccurate information being circulated.

Officials advised taxpayers to verify their financial transaction details through the e-Campaign tab on the Compliance Portal available on the income tax e-filing website. They emphasized that the emails should not be treated as statutory notices and do not automatically indicate that additional advance tax is payable.

The clarification came shortly after the emails triggered widespread concern among taxpayers who received the alerts just days before the final quarterly advance tax payment deadline on March 15, prompting the department to request recipients to disregard the earlier communication while the matter is being corrected.